New World Witchery: A Trove of North American Folk Magic

by Cory Thomas Hutcheson

Explore Nearly 500 Samples of Folk Magic, Stories, Artifacts, Rituals, and Beliefs

One of the most comprehensive collections of witchcraft and folk magic ever written, New World Witchery shows you how to integrate folk traditions into your life and deepen your understanding of magic. Folklore expert Cory Thomas Hutcheson guides you to the crossroads of folk magic, where you'll learn about different practices and try them for yourself.

This treasure trove of witchery features an enormous collection of stories, artifacts, rituals, and traditions. Explore chapters on magical heritage, divination, familiars, magical protection, and spirit communication. Discover the secrets of flying, gathering and creating magical supplies, living by the moon, working contemporary folk magic, and more. This book also provides brief profiles of significant folk magicians, healers, and seers, so you can both meet the practitioners and experience their craft. With New World Witchery, you'll create a unique roadmap to the folk magic all around you.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Occult, History, Magic, Folklore

554 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2021

Reviews

[Fire Lyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practitioners of magic are often drawn to practices and cultures separated by oceans and centuries. Cory Hutcheson accomplishes a feat rarely found in Pagan publishing with his exquisite book New World Witchery. In a voice that is equal parts kind, funny, and scholarly, he sits the reader down, points to a forested horizon, and says that there is magic in the hills and creeks in your own backyard and that he will help you find it.

Hutcheson guides the reader through folklore and traditions from a number of cultures in what he dubs the “New World” in a way that invites the reader to learn from but never take, to appreciate but not appropriate. His gentle, magical voice takes the reader through one of the most expansive and thorough examinations of North American folk magic I’ve ever seen. It is a masterwork and a worthy inclusion in any witchy library.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

First up, I LOVE the cover of this one. On to my review...I enjoyed this one a lot! It was super interesting, full of magical folklore stories. It also had spells and rituals sprinkled throughout. That said, this isn't a sit down and read cover to cover type of book. More the type of book you pick and savour in bits and pieces.

**ARC Via NetGalley**

[Latasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man! This is one your gonna wanna buy. A trove is exactly right. This book is full of the best folklore from all over the place, mostly the U.S. (new world). It does take a minute to get to the juicy bits but stay with it. I listened to the audiobook, and it was great, but you need a copy you can highlight and bookmark. My favorite story out of this book is about a Mexican lady that told her friend to nail a doll that resembled the troublesome neighbor to a tree. I laughed & laughed over that story. It's a really good story.

[Larissa Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Note: actual rating is 3.5, but I round up.]

[First Glance]
As a long time witch, I’ve studied various paths and cultures to see what speaks to my spirit. American folklore and practices are, I admit, one of my blind spots. I don’t connect to any one region because of being a military brat, so I lack the personal history and ties to a place that others might find spiritually relevant. When I saw this book available for review, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to look into my own country and culture for spiritual inspiration.

[Positive Bits]
The premise of this book is outlined very early on: “In some ways, I am hoping that picking up this book will be like unearthing a box buried at the crossroads for you and finding it stuffed full of folkloric odds and ends – a veritable treasure trove of witchery, if you will. Each little piece will tell you something about magic, and let you put together your own picture of folkloric witchcraft here and now.” As you explore this book, it truly dives into a variety of sources, from local tribal traditions to immigrant practices from other countries that settled here. The details are also regularly tied back to the current occult movements that match them, allowing you to draw the line between past and present with ease.

I enjoyed the author’s take on magical ingredient correspondences. I’m a big fan of finding your personal connection and symbolism in magic, and they took the time to mention something they get out of each item rather than rehashing the correspondences you find in every other sourcebook. In the same section, there’s an exercise that involves looking at your favorite foods or recipes and considering what magicks they would represent based on their ingredients – which is something I’ve done before, and it’s fascinating to look at your food in a magickal light (particularly if you’re an avid cook)!

Each section has interesting tasks to try, called The Work. After you’ve been exposed to one type of magical folklore, you’re invited to explore it within your own spiritual path. Several of them contained great questions to meditate or journal on, and I found myself pausing to consider how they related to my practice. I enjoy interactivity in books, so this is a major bonus point to the book as a whole.

[Less Enjoyable Bits]
This book is very heavily focused on folkloric knowledge, with much smaller sections tying it back to modern witchcraft. While intriguing if you like history and folklore as topics, I found myself a bit disappointed to slug through 480 pages of folklore when I had thought there’d be more active rituals and practices to explore. Considering how often folklore related to witches dips into talk of worshipping the Devil, I found myself less interested in the information provided when it was steeped in stories from that angle.

On the flip side, there were mentions of folklore that greatly intrigued me… only to be presented in one or two sentences and then never referenced again. For example, I live near the Chehalis tribe in the Pacific Northwest, and they were mentioned in a section about moon folklore. Apparently they see the moon as masculine, but we get one note to that effect and then nothing further. Living so close to multiple tribes, I wish more Native culture had been included as part of American folklore. Too often, we treat Natives as “other” and less American than the immigrants who supplanted them.

I think this book is geared toward an audience who wants to explore American folklore and folk magic but doesn’t want to dive into research alone. If that’s your focus, then it’s a good guide to jumping off points for exploring our history. If that’s not your cup of tea, then this book is a long and difficult trek through a portion of American history.

Is it worth the coin?
No – unless what I described is what you’re looking for. It wasn’t the guide to American folk magic that I had hoped to find, but it had value for someone exploring folklore for folklore’s sake.

[Garrett Kilgore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Against the recommendation of some people, I opted to read the book from cover to cover and I am so glad that I did.

As someone who is just beginning to dip their toes into the idea of witchcraft (Hello, Ingrained Satanic Panic!) as something to pursue, I was really appreciative of Hutcheson’s approach and framework.

The book is broken down into thirteen sections or “Rites” as he calls it, and each one is looked at from a historical and folklore standpoint, and much like all religions/spiritual paths, you see how different cultures all arrive at very similar points and intersect in specific ways.

This is not a book that goes into spells or specific magical rituals, but more of a textbook approach, which I completely ate up…but admittedly may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

My only real complaint, and this I put on to the editors as well, is that while Hutcheson does a fabulous job of explaining and cautioning about appropriation, especially with Indigenous cultures, he does reference some sacred deities to those culture by name…which to my understanding is a big no-no. The instances are infrequent (less than 10 and likely less than 5) however if this is something you are sensitive to, you should be aware.

I would definitely recommend the book to anyone who is curious about the history of witchcraft and how it both informs and is formed by folklore.

And, as a Wizard of Oz fan, the end of the coda is quite delightful.

[Sheena ☆ Book Sheenanigans · Rating 3 out of 5]

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

All information in this book is just surface level, but I admit that's what happens when its focus is on such a broad topic. It MIGHT be a good intro to folk magic of the North American variety. Although, I have some corrections I'd point out.
I really didn't expect to find queer information in this book though! That was a pleasant surprise!
I want to read some of this book in physical form before deciding if I want it part of my personal library or not.

[Paperback Pagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for anyone interested in American folklore and witchcraft. Lots of great recommendations and solid sources in the book as well, my TBR has increased significantly.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woah, that took me awhile to get through! Well worth it though. This book has SO much information on anything you could ever want from witchcraft. I learned so much about many different regions daily practices.

In some sections, however, I wanted it to go deeper. This book is a very broad covering of a TON of topics, and so a deep dive wasn’t able to be done - I know that wasn’t the purpose of this book. So that’s on me really. But there were some things that I wanted to take a deep dive into! Now, there are tons of references books so I know I could find what I need to when I go digging.

Well worth the month it took me to get through it!

🧹🐇🦌🪵🩸🪻💀🎃🦷🫀🧙🏽‍♀️🧚🏼‍♀️🦇🐈‍⬛🍀🥀💦

[Magen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot to like about New World Witchery. Hutcheson's credibility, for one, is bolstered by the fact that he is a practitioner as well as a folklorist. His experience in application is excellent, but his scholarship and references to folkloristic theory make this volume far more interesting than most witchcraft manuals.

Where this falls short for me personally is that it doesn't lean on scholarship as much as I'd like. Call me a nerd, I guess, but once I read that he has a PhD in the discipline, I was far more interested in a discussion on variations and dissemination of folk magic traditions through the country. Hutcheson does include a bit of this, but as his primary audience is made up more of practitioners and not academics, it makes sense that the rituals and spells that he shares are not all analyzed. That book would be massive, by the way, but I'd eat it up.

So this is only four stars for me, but I absolutely enjoyed this. I listened to this on Libby, as I hesitate to buy witchcraft manuals because there are so many and not all useful, but this may end up in my library so I can use some of these practices.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great primer on North American folk beliefs and how they still slip into our lives even today. Hutcheson covers a bunch of different traditions through chapters based around aspects of witchcraft and folklore. Not suuuuuuper in depth but definitely a good jumping off point to see where your interests lie. His references and bibliography are awesome, as are the DIY and biography portions of each chapter.

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy snap! New World Witchery is the kind of book my teen self would have devoured, back when I really started wanting to learn more about witchcraft and lore. Recently I've been especially interested in North American witchcraft folklore, so this book appeared at the perfect time. I was delighted to discover the wealth of history, story, and knowledge Hutcheson packed into this book! I appreciated the focus on North American craft, while still hearkening back to the roots of various practices -- ranging from Mountain Witchcraft to Hoodoo and so many others! I loved the way this book highlighted so many common themes and practices surrounding witches, lore, and the craft that have woven their way throughout our lives from cultures all around the world. Incidentally, I've been recognizing some of these themes within my own witchy path in recent years, so the familiarity and recognition was a nice surprise. I think my favorite part of New World Witchery is the sections at the end of each chapter, "Dirt Under the Nails" and "The Work", which provide a wealth of ideas for integrating some of these things into your own practice (if/when appropriate) and recognizing how they may already be surfacing in your own life. This is one book I definitely want to keep on my shelves and pass down to whomever I have the honor to mentor in the future (whether that is my own children or fellow witchy folks). Just a treasure trove of discovery here. Definitely recommended for anyone interested in witchy folklore beyond the more well-known European varieties.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can definitely tell how much work went into writing this book. Although dense with information , I loved the recommended reading at the end of chapters. So many people are looking for books on this topic. I also liked the breakdown of various types of magical practices and the focus on heretically breaking from Christian roots. All are real problems many people face. Being gnostic myself I see nothing wrong with combining practices from wherever feels right. I also liked the inclusive feel the book has, although the constant mentioning the devil was a bit too much 1700s superstition/folklore for me. The concept of the devil, although important in a historical context, is not something I focus on in my daily life. Otherwise there's a lot of fascinating history in this book. I enjoyed it. Thank you for allowing me to review it.

[Glitch · Rating 1 out of 5]

I started the first chapter and it was very Americanized they explained evil eye and it wasn’t that accurate and I feel it took it out of context they were explaining basic meanings of what it is to be a witch and whatever labels you use and I personally didn’t want to take it to the next chapter because the writing was boring and I don’t understand why it had good ratings because there is nothing special and I don’t know if it’s even true what they’re saying in the book because they took something as simple as evil lie and took it out of context without even explaining it for me this book is it no but it doesn’t hurt to look at it so that’s up to you if you want to read this book

[Alexandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my type of book, can be really useful to others looking for more of an American type of folk magic. Does have some good history and information.

[David Lowry · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing but woke bs propaganda disguised as "history."

[Irene · Rating 1 out of 5]

BORING. Don't waste your time.

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked it up as a seasonal read. Love folklore. This had too much repetition and yet not enough folklore. Disappointing.

[Asuka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: New World Witchery by Cory Thomas Hutcheson

I’d like to begin by saying that Hutcheson’s book New World Witchery is a wonderful read if you are a fan of folklore and folk practices. However, if you are looking for a book to teach you witchcraft, this is not that type of book.

That being said, I feel that New World Witchery is an important read as it is a deep dive into the various practices that exist in North America. The topic of folk practices, not all of them necessarily called witchcraft though it is categorized similarly in the book, is a sensitive one as the Americas has a deep-rooted history of colonialism and cultural appropriation. Hutcheson is explicit about the intent of the book as one to jump-start further research into folklore and folk practices and addresses the issue of cultural appropriation very early on. He also discusses the ethics of using materials used in closed practices, using smudging as an example. He goes into the question of ethics surrounding the use of white sage and how it impacts the indigenous community by asking questions such as “Is growing it ethical?”, “Are you giving back to the community in some way?”, and “Are you stealing native practices/co-opting native terms?” Making you think more critically about the reasons someone may have for using items such as white sage or dream catchers (as he mentions the mass-production of them and how little of the profits made from it benefit the communities they actually come from).

Hutcheson focuses more closely on folk beliefs on what witchcraft is in the eyes of communities like Pennsylvania Dutch practitioners, Appalachian folk practitioners, and so on rather than the more prevalent modern witchcraft movement. Because of the complex nature of various practices, Hutcheson takes a good amount of time discussing the differences and similarities present in these communities and goes on to explain that because he is using the term witch in the broader sense of the word, it does not mean that these practices are viewed as witchcraft by the members of the communities. Witchcraft then becomes more of a placeholder term to encompass the spectrum of magic used in the New World. Another thing that Hutcheson does well is the scope of practices he covers by including communities such as the Ozarks, PA Dutch Practitioners, Native American practices, Hoodoo, and the modern witchcraft movement. He goes in-depth and thoroughly explores the many avenues of lineages.

This book leans more towards academic study than most other books on witchcraft commonly found in circulation. Despite this, Hutcheson writes in such a way that makes all of the information digestible for those who aren’t used to academic literature. As far as writing style goes, Hutcheson does a wonderful job keeping the audience’s attention focused on the information presented instead of overwhelming them. To complement this, Hutcheson also includes a list of books after each chapter to help readers find more literature to explore the various topics discussed in the book. On top of all of that, he also has an extensive list of references throughout the book. Going over 300 references, Hutcheson’s research is backed by multiple texts and creates a level of transparency that is not often seen in a non-academic piece of literature, especially on witchcraft.

The only drawbacks that I noted were minuscule compared to all of the things Hutcheson does right. A couple of instances that I noted were the occasional use of Indians in reference to Native Americans, the use of dumb suppers (which can be seen as ableist to some members of the community), and the use of the term mojo bag, which is closely tied with Hoodoo and African-American practices, when something along the lines of sachet spell could have been used. But these things do little to detract from the overall quality of the book.

Overall, this book was a great read, especially for those who are interested in folklore. It can be somewhat dense, but it does not bog the readers down with too much information. Hutcheson does a wonderful job of being inclusive without oversimplifying the various practices he discusses. While there are minor instances where he could have been worded better, the information that he provides is impartial.

Overall Rating: 10/10
Would I Recommend It? Yes!

[Justin Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m fortunate enough to know the author and consider them a life long friend. Will that taint my review? Probably. Will I lead you astray? No. If I didn’t like it I’d just tell him in person something like “oh my god, loved it, have I not written a review? Omg, I need to do that.” Now that the bias is out of the way, let’s discuss!

Cory Hutcheson did the work. It’s truly incredible all that he covered. There are some parts of North America that feel more in depth than others with regards to the folklore aspect, but he makes up for that by how he presents the local lore and how it can affect and benefit your magical practice.

What’s great about it is that the folklore is there to guide the practitioner in finding tools in their region. He makes a strong case that we all, regardless of religion, should see the world through a magical lens. He shows that magic can be all around us and can be personal to us if we only take the time to see it. Now that’s just fun, come on! I really appreciate the extent in which he shows the ways life can be magical. It really is a tool to show how to build a practice that’s personal. One of the coolest things Hutcheson does is have these sections called “dirt under the nails” in which he offers real world applications a practitioner might try- a “how to” if you will.

What I loved about his approach was that he stays in his lane and he’s inclusive. He recognizes the struggles of different races, orientations, gender, and ableness. He shares what he knows about cultural practices that aren’t of his group(s) while recommending to not appropriate them and explains why that’s important. What’s also cool is he lifts others up. At the end of every chapter, there’s a suggested reading section if you want to know more about the topic at hand. We stan a generous queen that knows their boundaries.

There’s also an audiobook that works just as well (yes, I got both). In some ways, Hutcheson’s writing style is better for the audio as it feels conversational and he loves an aside. It’s not bad in print, though, just be prepared. That style isn’t for everyone.

You can be like me and read it straight through or dabble here and there and skip around. It really is that kind of book. He did a great job on this one to make it interesting as a straight through read while also being a great resource.

I’m so proud for him. Go buy it. Support it and enjoy your start to a magical world.

[Amanda Hill · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not finishing this. There has been some well-written bits of information but it is no longer worth the effort to ignore the author's bias and lapses in research. As a proud, self-respecting Latina, I do not abide with anyone classifying my culture as "Latinx." There is a dichotomy to our language, our culture, and our magick and I will not waste my time with some woke white man using his misguided words and intentions to diminish the beautiful heritage of so many traditions. I'm at page 79 and slamming it closed. Latinx, folx, I really tried to overlook the language. I even got past the multiple pages of CYA rhetoric of him not being privy to all of the ins and outs of the traditions he's trying to write about and sneaking around the topic of appropriation while also including "Dirt Under the Nails" sections to encourage readers to participate in activities modeled after the different practices (he does not touch on any Asian influences on the New World witchcraft, however many there might be. That subject is left to more knowledgeable people.) But on Page 79, in his writing of Lee R. Gandee, he assigns the "they/them" pronouns because of a "Queen" persona possessing Mr. Gandee's body, while stating, "They did not refer to themselves as transgender, but that language may not have been available to them during their lifetime; I have chosen to use the singular 'they' in deference to that possibility in this mini-biography, but that is solely my own interpretation." I am a conservative pagan, if my beliefs must be labeled, but I am the one to assign that label. Mr. Hutcheson has taken it up on himself to label Hexenmeister Gandee with language that was not his own, nor did he allude to it being his identity. Isn't this the most common offense to the trans community, to be mislabeled? Mr. Hutcheson has no authority on the subject and no right to put his own beliefs on another without concrete evidence of it being true. A spiritual possession does not immediately make a person transgender. I will no longer entertain this bias, there are many other authors who can share such academic information without the obvious overlay of personal opinion, without suggesting practitioners dabble in activities of practices they are not well-versed in (appropriate versus appreciate), or do complete research and include all influences on what makes up North American folk magic.

[HeatherAnne Norbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the ebook from Netgalley in exchange for my review. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

The world of witchy books resides heavily in the pantheons and lore of the eastern half of this globe. I can’t recall another book I have seen that even made much mention of western folklore and folk magic. Of course, the author admits, this book misses the western mark a bit too, as it focuses on the stories and tales passed down on the North American continent so it isn’t even the entire “new world”. At 480 pages, that’s okay! Someone should definitely take up the gauntlet and give South American folklore focus as well.

I’ve always loved folk tales and stories and this book is a veritable treasure trove. It’s definitely a book worth having as a physical copy. I particularly liked the herbal healing stories. While there are some rituals and remedies to lace the past and present together, those aren’t really what the book is about. There is definitely fodder there for a second book to go into far greater detail on some of the information shared there. Dr. Hutcheson is a folklorist and an academic - an interesting combination - and I learned a lot. If I lived closer to Pennsylvania, I would love to take one of his college courses. In the meantime, I do enjoy listening to his podcast, New World Witchery, and recommend it.

This book is jam-packed with stories and information and still doesn’t dive deeply into any one story due to just how rich and colorful the story of North American folklore is. (The book would be 1200 pages long if it did!) There are definitely places where I was left wanting more information. Thankfully, there are recommended reading sections for every chapter with some words on what to expect to find from each recommendation, not just a strict bibliography (though there is a sizable bibliography too).

This book is not a quick read. There’s just too much to digest. It is as much a reference book as it is a storybook. While there are rituals and spells throughout that relate to the folklore shared, it’s not really a ritual or spell book so I don’t recommend getting it for that purpose. If you are interested in North American folklore and spirituality and the melting pot that helped shape it, then this book belongs on your bookshelf.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars! A must-read! A work you will return to again and again with notes in the margins and lovingly dog eared pages. You can’t beat the light hearted, intimate and conversational tone of the writing, as if sitting fireside with a cup of tea and a friend, that only an author like Dr. Cory Hutcheson can pull off while remaining deeply informative.

There are tons of highly commercialized spell books available on bookshelves of this genre today. To have a work authored by an avid and credentialed folklorist emerge about the intersections of folklore and folk magic rooted in the New World that so beautifully illustrates the interplay between folklore, folk magic and the natural way they beget one another in true to life community settings is an absolute treat. Dr. Hutcheson has somehow managed to transform a dense reference book into the enjoyable read of a storybook (with an impressive bibliography!!). This book is an indispensable resource for historians, folklorists, and witches alike!

So many books in this genre focus on the end result: the folk magical practice as it exists today, as if it were a static, unchanging concept. They completely ignore the context with which the practices originated and especially ignore the cultures that had a hand in preserving and adapting the evolving folk practices over time. Cultural context is so important in understanding this topic and this superb work is a breath of fresh air. Dr. Hutcheson excels at writing with immense respect and reverence, thoroughly researching and giving credit where credit is due. Never glossing over disreputable histories surrounding folk magical practices, the book tackles cultural appropriation and sociopolitical influences head on.

Such a delight to read from beginning to end but also just as expertly organized to be easily read if consulted out of order by chapter or topic to suit the reader. Dr. Hutcheson lays down clear foundations and citations for further research and sections that integrate the historical folk magical concepts into feasible modern practice.

Such a brilliant book by a brilliant author who encourages readers to dig deep into their own pockets, pull out their own skeleton keys, and unlock their own squeaky doors to the deeply rich, nuanced and fascinating world of folk magic in North America! I can't wait to gift copies to my friends!

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was initiated into the world of podcasts last spring and summer when I, like so many, found myself at home quite a bit more under quarantine and lockdown. New World Witchery was among the first that I started listening to while I cleaned my apartment and prepared my meals, and when I heard that Cory would be publishing a book on just this topic, I was ecstatic to get my hands on it. And I was not disappointed.

One of the things I appreciate most about Cory's style and approach to folk magic is the way that he points to your immediate surroundings and says, There's already magic all around you. There's magic in your home, there's magic in your family, there's magic in the place where you live, there's magic in your community. And there's also magic in your picking up those practices and putting them to good use, making them your own. This book helped give me a new perspective on what folk magic is and can be: new eyes to see where folk magic already is in my life, and new ways of seeing and engaging with my immediate surroundings to create even more magic.

This book is incredibly readable, hefty in volume without being dense. I managed to breeze through it in a matter of weeks, but am already looking forward to revisiting parts of it more slowly, to ingest his words and try out a few of the handy exercises and recipes on for size.

Folk magic is magic of the people. If you're reading this, you're very likely a person who has a people that you're part of, and therefore you have and can have magic. It is up to us to find it, and where it's lacking, create it and share it with one another.

[Jessica Nightshade · Rating 4 out of 5]

New World Witchery: A Trove of North American Folk Magic by Cory Thomas Hutcheson is a rich and detailed exploration of North American folk traditions, offering a treasure trove of information for anyone looking to dive into regional magic. This book covers everything from divination and spirit communication to magical protection and familiars, providing nearly 500 examples of folklore, spells, and practices. Hutcheson’s expertise shines through in his deep understanding of folk magic and his ability to weave together diverse practices from across the continent.

What makes this book truly special is its focus on cultural and historical context. Rather than just listing spells, Hutcheson dives into the stories and origins behind the magic, giving readers a deeper appreciation of how these traditions developed and why they remain relevant today. The inclusion of profiles on significant folk magicians, healers, and seers also brings the book to life, adding a personal touch that connects the reader with the people who shaped these practices.

That said, the book’s depth can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, especially for newcomers. It’s more of a comprehensive resource than a step-by-step guide, so beginners may find themselves lost in the sheer volume of information. However, for those who already have a grounding in witchcraft or a strong interest in folklore, New World Witchery is a fascinating and rewarding read. Hutcheson has created a thorough and engaging work that’s well worth exploring, even if it takes some time to digest. Four stars for a captivating and incredibly informative collection that brings North American folk magic to the forefront.

[KatsCauldron R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is massive endeavor on the authors part of wrapping up a cornucopia of US magical practices & lore. He did not fall short on his goal of presenting the most complete smorgasbord of belief systems & tales of groups in the US. I might add, this book would not be complete without mention of the devil as it was so much a part of the fabric of folktales once there were more than the Indigenous peoples here after Spanish invasion. What I know of "granny magic" which is pretty strong stuff if you have ever watched or been around it is heavily steeped in a form of Christianity so not knocking their ways of using it & it is imperative to be included in any serious magical tome of the US area of practitioners. Same with southern veins that have some hair raising things you can do with saints or their days which work.. I also enjoy the way he presents everything with an additional caveat of needed point made that a little bit of knowledge doth not make a practitioner make & brings up appreciation, history, practice, etc versus appropriation. This is a compilation not limited to a particular individual or worldview but a grouping of many in the US.
Needless to say, yes, this is another copious reference book you need in your collection. I can't imagine the time it took to bring forth this labor of love but well done. To peruse this book well I would recommend hardcopy rather than a kindle as that is now what I will be obliged to get

[Mary Anne]

3.5 STARS

How this book ended up on my TBR: The short version is that Don Martin (whose nonfiction work on GoodReads is under the name Fire Lyte) recommended this book while he was talking about his own fiction book, Verity Vox and the Curse of Foxfire. I have always been a little interested in witches, witchcraft, and magic, especially connections to the earth and community, to say nothing of how it relates to current spiritualities. Anyway.

This book is more of a resource material than book that you read cover-to-cover. I've read a lot of those lately, and while they can be a little taxing to get through, it's really not their fault that I'm reading them in a way that is not initially intentional. I presumed that there would be some commentary on modern-day witchcraft with significant attention to origins and stories, and in that way, I was somewhat satisfied. The book is honestly so broad that the author chooses to add a fair number of stories without going into as much depth, and I suppose it makes sense. I do like the wide range of topics and some commentary on modern depictions of witches, in addition to some practical tips and rituals.

Ramón de Ocampo narrates the audiobook version and does a pretty good job, I think!

--

PS. My days on GoodReads are likely numbered. If you all ever go to The StoryGraph, let's be friends there! Here's my profile.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truth be told, it had me at "Folklore". Talk to me about myths, lore, customs and such and I'm yours. Honestly, I can't get enough of all things magical including Hoodoo and other root practice that have found their way deeply woven into the fabric of our lives. This gem provides so much on the historical and social contexts of the origins of witchcraft practice and then comes full steam ahead to today and the "how's" and "why's" we do what we do as well as touching on what we shouldn't.

The conversational tone the author uses in his writing is warm and inviting. I have not listened to the podcast (yet!) but I can see why he has the following he does. This book has been well researched and the recommended reading alone is a wealth of information for further work. This is not a quick read filled with step by step rituals that someone can jump into, but rather a well rounded offering of history with a sprinkling of ethics so that the reader can take what resonates with them and incorporate it into THEIR own practice.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Llewellyn for this ARC. All opinions expressed are authentically my own.

[Hel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve been a fan of the New World Witchery podcast for years. I love how Corey and Laine would break down their subjects and give funny, sometimes cute, but always knowledgeable takes. When I heard that Corey had written a book, I was stoked. Let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint.

Have you ever wanted to take a class in folklore? Here's your textbook. It's ridiculously well researched and somehow still imminently readable! I’m not going to lie; I could hear Corey’s voice while I was reading. That was a great added bonus.

The book was light on the witchy side. What I mean by that, is that it’s not your typical New Age resource with boatloads of spells and grimoire tips. The typical witch stuff that is included is more along the lines of self-reflection. Mind you, I’m not complaining in the least. New World Witchery is dense with information. If you want to get some background in your craft, I highly recommend this book.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down! It is a tome of information! Hutcheson has a PhD in American studies with a focus on folklore and religious studies. He presents various forms of folk practices found within North America while remaining respectful of their origins, and breaks them down for the reader to understand their importance to each culture. This book is a traditional witchcraft book focusing on folklore and folk magic of North America so there is talk of the Devil and unbaptisms but there is also talk of use of the Bible in magic. Sprinkled in are stories of witches from all over North America as well as workings to dig your hands into. Everything from soul flight to practical house magic and spirit work. Everything you could ever want out of a traditional witchcraft book is here. Highly recommend.